## How to Make an Air Pump for Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a great way to explore the underwater world, but it can be expensive to rent or buy an air pump. If you’re on a budget, you can make your own air pump with a few simple materials.
Materials:
A 2-liter plastic bottle (with a lid)
A hose (at least 6 feet long)
A tire valve
A bike pump
A drill
A hacksaw
A pair of pliers
A screwdriver
Instructions:
1. Cut the bottom off the plastic bottle. Use a hacksaw to cut a circle around the bottom of the bottle, about 2 inches from the edge.
2. Drill a hole in the lid of the bottle. The hole should be big enough to fit the tire valve.
3. Insert the tire valve into the hole. Use a pair of pliers to tighten the valve in place.
4. Attach the hose to the tire valve. Use a hose clamp to secure the hose in place.
5. Connect the bike pump to the hose. Make sure the connection is tight.
6. Fill the bottle with water. Fill the bottle about 3/4 full of water.
7. Pump air into the bottle. Use the bike pump to pump air into the bottle until the pressure reaches about 20 psi.
8. Close the lid of the bottle. Once the bottle is filled with air, close the lid tightly.
Your air pump is now complete! To use the air pump, simply connect the hose to your scuba tank and open the valve. The air from the bottle will flow into the tank, providing you with a fresh supply of air for your dive.
Tips:
You can use a larger bottle for a longer dive time.
You can use a higher pressure bike pump to fill the bottle faster.
Be careful not to overfill the bottle. If the bottle is overfilled, the pressure could cause the bottle to burst.
Test the air pump before using it on a dive. Connect the hose to a spare scuba tank and open the valve. If the air flows smoothly, the air pump is ready to use.
Warnings:
Do not use the air pump if it is leaking.
Do not use the air pump if the hose is kinked or damaged.
Do not use the air pump if the tire valve is not tightened securely.
Do not use the air pump if the bottle is overfilled.
Additional Information:
You can also use a hand pump to fill the bottle.
You can use a CO2 cartridge to fill the bottle.
You can purchase a pre-made air pump online or at a scuba diving store.